The Reason This Major Sumo Event is Being Held in London
This Prestigious Sumo Competition
Venue: This Historic London Venue, the British Capital. Schedule: October 15th through 19th
Exploring Japan's National Sport
Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining tradition, discipline and ancient spiritual practices dating back more than 1,000 years.
This physical contest features two wrestlers – called rikishi – competing inside a raised circular ring – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) in diameter.
Various rituals take place both preceding and following each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.
Customarily prior to competition, an opening is made in the center of the dohyo then filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.
The hole gets sealed, containing within a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ritual stamp with hand clapping to scare away negative energies.
Professional sumo operates under a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved dedicate their entire lives to it – living and training communally.
Why London?
The Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place outside of Japan for just the second time, as the tournament occurring in London beginning October 15th through October 19th.
London and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 tournament – marking the initial occasion a tournament was staged outside Japan in sumo history.
Clarifying the decision for the international competition, the Japan Sumo Association chair stated the intention to "convey with London audiences sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".
The sport has experienced a significant rise in international interest globally in recent years, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan abroad.
How Sumo Matches Work
The basic rules in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The bout concludes once a wrestler is forced out from the ring or touches the floor with anything other than the sole of his feet.
Bouts can conclude in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.
There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors out of the ring by force, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent employing throwing techniques.
High-ranking rikishi often master various techniques adjusting against different styles.
There are dozens of victory moves, ranging from dramatic throws strategic evasions. The variety of techniques and strategies maintains fan interest, so surprises and upsets can occur in any bout.
Size categories do not exist within sumo, so it's common to observe wrestlers of varying dimensions. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.
While women can participate in amateur sumo worldwide, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.
Life as a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.
The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely on sumo. Early mornings for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a high-protein dish aimed at building mass – and an afternoon nap.
The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – although legendary stories of massive eating exist in sumo history.
Rikishi purposely increase mass for competitive advantage during matches. Although large, they demonstrate remarkable flexibility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.
Virtually every aspect of wrestlers' existence are regulated through their training house and the Sumo Association – creating a unique lifestyle in professional sports.
A wrestler's ranking affects their payment, living arrangements and even support staff.
Junior less established wrestlers perform duties in the stable, whereas senior ones enjoy preferred treatment.
Competitive standings get determined through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.
Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a ceremonial list showing everyone's status within the sport.
The highest level features the title of Grand Champion – the ultimate achievement. Yokozuna embody the spirit of the sport – beyond mere competition.
Who Becomes a Rikishi
There are approximately several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most being Japanese.
International competitors have been involved prominently for decades, with Mongolian athletes reaching top levels currently.
Top champions feature international representatives, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.
In recent news, young international aspirants have traveled to Japan pursuing professional sumo careers.